FAQ - Bangalore Ashram

Q: In what way does the Art of Living Part I (basic) Course offered in the Ashram, differ from the course offered in the city?

A: The Ashram course is a 3-day residential course. The city course is a 6-day course of 18-20 hours, held in morning or evening hours, about 2.5 - 3 hours per day.

Q: Are the course contents the same?

A: Yes the course contents are the same, the only difference being that the ashram course is a residential course in the ashram itself so this way you get to stay in the ashram for 3 days as well as undergo the course.

Q: Why is the course contribution different for courses in the city?

A: The city course is not a residential course. In the Ashram course contribution everything is included (food, accommodation and the course).

Q: We want to attend the basic course in the Ashram. Can we bring our children?

A: Yes, if they are old enough then you can bring them but they will have to be by themselves, as we do not have any facility here to look after the children. You will have to give a separate contribution for the children. If they are not old enough, then what you can do is: one of you can take the course this time and the next time you can bring along the children and the other one can do the course then. Another option is to take the same course in the city, where it is offered as a 6-day course, 3 hours per day.

Stay & Accomodation

Q: What are the Ashram visiting hours?

A: The visiting hours for the ashram are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Daily Satsang is conducted here in the evening from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM and on Sundays it is from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. You can plan your visit in such a way that you can join us for Satsang as well.

Q: Are meals included in the course contribution?

A: Yes. Room stay and meals are included in the course contribution.

Meal timings are:

Breakfast 7.30-8.30 am

Lunch 12:30-1:30 pm

Dinner 6:30-7:30 pm

Q: Can we stay in the Ashram for some days?

A: Different types of accommodation are available in the Ashram. For all details regarding the accommodation, the availability and to do the booking, you can contact our Housing Department.

Q: What are the activities we can attend in the Ashram?

A: You can join us for Satsang. It is conducted every day in the Ashram from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM and on Sundays it is between 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. You can also join in for a guided meditation held in the Information Centre at 12:00 AM and 4:00 PM everyday, or for a Video Show on the Art of Living and it's activities and Sri Sri, that is shown in the Information Centre at 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM.

Q: Are room upgrades available after registering?

A: This is subject to availability. For housing related queries, please contact housing department directly, either prior by email housing@vvmvp.org, or in person when you arrive.

Q: I would like to extend my stay after the program?

A: If you need to extend you stay due to a flight departure, please contact housing. If you would like to extend your stay beyond two days after the program finishes, prior confirmation is required from the international desk( for internationals only). You can reach the international desk at internationaldesk@vvmvp.org .

Q: Is it possible for my friends and I to reserve a room together?

A: Only participants of the same program and Gender are accommodated together. If this is the case, then you could be accommodated together, subject to availability. For housing related queries, please contact Housing Department directly, either prior by email housing@vvmvp.org, or in person when you arrive.

Q: If I want to bring my child and/or nanny, what formalities should I follow?

A: Unfortunately, there are no babysitting or child-minding facilities available at the Bangalore Ashram. Thus, if the child is old enough to take care of itself or if you want to bring your own nanny for the duration of your program/stay to take care of your child, please contact Housing to reserve accommodation as there might not be rooms available closer to the dates. They will need to have "Ashram Stay Registration Forms" filled out either prior to or on the day of, their arrival..

Arrival Queries

All queries related to documents needed, passport, visa, transport, on-the-spot registration, arrival procedures, etc. How do I arrange for transport from the airport?

You can order a pre-paid taxi on arrival at Bengaluru International Airport. As you exit the airport, there will be a sign that says "pre-paid taxi".

What are Check-in and Check-out times?

Check-in for any course is till 10 pm, one day prior to the course start date. People arriving on late-night flights may also check in when they arrive.

Check out for any course is till 12:30 pm one day after the course ending date.

Do I need to bring any documents before I arrive for Check-in?

Arrival Documents required:-

2 C-forms completed and signed

Print out of course registration form

Confirmation email containing registration ID number

Photocopy of passport

Photocopy of current valid Indian visa

My visa is in my old passport which passport should I photocopy?

Kindly photocopy both your old and new passport pages, and the valid visa page.

My passport expired but I have extended its validity. What pages should I photocopy?

Kindly photocopy the passport page with your name, date of birth etc, and the page that indicate the new date of expiry.

I can't lift heavy things will there be someone to help me with my suitcase when I arrive?

There will be a shuttle services to take you from reception to your room. If additional assistance is needed, the welcome team will provide you with help.

Course and Payment queries

All queries dealing with payment, registration for any course, course contribution queries, etc.

How do I register for a course online?

Click the "Register button" at the top of the International Winter Fair 2011 webpage. It will take you to the Online registration page

Or

Go to the left-hand side menu and click 'Login/Register' and follow the instructions given accordingly for International Participants.

Can I register and pay for more than one person at one time for one course?

Yes. Kindly follow the appropriate links to process.

I am an Indian Passport Holder but live in another country, how do I determine the amount to pay?

Your course contribution is determined by your country of residence. Kindly choose your country of residence and pay the relative amount.

I am a PIO/PAN cardholder, how do I determine the amount to pay?

Your course contribution is determined by your country of residence. Kindly choose your country of residence and pay the relative amount.

What are the methods of payment?

Online (Credit / Debit Card Payment)

In person, on arrival (subject to availability)

Please Note: Online Transactions are the quickest and most secure way to guarantee your place, desired accommodation type for your chosen course. In-person payments are at your discretion. On the spot registrations (after early bird offer) will be USD 10 extra per person

Can I do more than one course during the Winter Fair 2011?

Yes.You can participate in courses back to back. If you would like to do any courses simultaneously, this is at your discretion.

During the time you are required to be in silence as part of your course, please refrain from participating in any other courses at that time. You may participate, before going in or after coming out of silence. Please note: Sahaj Samadhi and Part II (advanced) course are the only courses someone can do simultaneously.

Do I have to pay for each course separately?

Yes. Registration for each course during the given dates is separate, thus payment is separate.

For example:You want to do the advance course first from Jan- 6th- 11th followed by the Blessings course from Jan 12th-14th.

First, login, register and pay for the Advance course. Once you've received your email confirmation and registration ID number for the Advanced course, then you can repeat login, registration and payment for the Blessings Course.

Please check that you have selected the correct COURSE and its corresponding DATES when registering and payment.

Please also check all your details, such as name, date of birth, matches to your passport.

Handheld Radio (e.g. your mobile phone) and earphones for language translation facilities. Translation facilities may be available for groups with large numbers of people who require translation. Please inform ahead of time. (Radios will be also be available for purchase in ashram).

Locks and keys for all your suitcases

Yoga mat (Yoga mats can be purchased in the pine services at Ashram)

Toiletries: Body wash, Shampoo, toilet paper, clothes washing powder or soap (Toiletries listed and more are also available for purchase at the pine services at Ashram)

One Shawl or jacket for the cool mornings and evenings

Towel (thinner the better, to ensure quick drying)

Notebook and pen to note down knowledge (also available at pine services for purchase at Ashram)

Relevant chargers

phone, camera

Umbrella

If you require translation, please ensure that someone who is affiliated with the Art of Living orgranisation is there to provide this service for you. Either bring them along and book their accommodation prior with yours, or arrange for another course participant to translate.

If we have registered and paid for the course under one name, but due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the person dropping out, another person would like to replace that registration, what are the formalities?

Unfortunately, all registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Can I just show up and register before the course?

This is at your own discretion, however there is a high likelihood you may be able to join your chosen course, but accommodation at the ashram may not be available.

To avoid disappointments, we highly recommend booking and paying online, as soon as possible.

Are meals included in the course contribution?

Yes. Room stay and meals are included in the course contribution. Meal timings are:

Breakfast 7.30-8.30 am

Lunch 12:30-1:30 pm

Dinner 6:30-7:30 pm

Who can I contact for queries about the courses if I'm not in Bangalore?

Please avoid eating cut fruit from the stalls on the road in front of the Kitchen (Dining Hall), as we cannot guarantee the cleanliness and hygiene of the stalls.

Everyone should be in their own rooms at 11 pm

If you are designated seva, please do it. If you missed group allocation for seva, then please perform seva on your own initiative. (e.g. wiping plates, serving food, cleaning Vishalakshi Mantap)

Vishalakshi Mantap (Meditation Hall)

Outdoor Amphitheatre (located in front of Vishalakshi Mantap)Yagnashala (located on the downhill slope in front of Housing)

Housing Queries

All queries dealing with housing, accommodation, for yourself or any additional members, group queries, etc

Are room upgrades available after registering?

This is subject to availability. For housing related queries, please contact housing department directly, either prior by email housing@vvmvp.org, or in person when you arrive.

I would like to extend my stay after the course?

If you need to extend you stay due to a flight departure, please contact housing. If you would like to extend your stay beyond two days after the course finishes, prior confirmation is required from the international desk. You can reach the international desk at internationaldesk@vvmvp.org .

Is it possible for my friends and I to reserve a room together?

This is subject to availability. For housing related queries, please contact Housing Department directly, either prior by email housing@vvmvp.org, or in person when you arrive.

If I want to bring my child and/or nanny, what formalities should I follow?

Unfortunately, there are no babysitting or child-minding facilities available at the Bangalore Ashram. Thus, if the child is old enough to take care of itself or if you want to bring your own nanny for the duration of your course/stay to take care of your child, please contact Housing to reserve accommodation as there might not be rooms available closer to the dates. They will need to have "Ashram Stay Registration Forms" filled out either prior to or on the day of, their arrival.

International specific Queries

Q: I am an Indian Passport Holder but live in another country, how do I determine the amount to pay?

A: Your program contribution is determined by your country of residence. Kindly choose your country of residence and pay the relative amount.

Q: I am a PIO/PAN cardholder, how do I determine the amount to pay?

A: Your program contribution is determined by your country of residence. Kindly choose your country of residence and pay the relative amount.

Q: My visa is in my old passport which passport should I photocopy?

A: Kindly photocopy both your old and new passport pages, and the valid visa page.

Q: My passport expired but I have extended its validity. What pages should I photocopy?

A: Kindly photocopy the passport page with your name, date of birth etc, and the page that indicate the new date of expiry